System Simulation Engineer

Are you interested in being part of a company that shapes the future of space and cyber technologies? To have a job where you can contribute to real-world missions with long-term impact?

We are looking for a System Simulation Engineer to support the cybersecurity activities of Nexova in Redu, Belgium.

About the client and location

You’ll be joining the Operations team at the Space Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (SCCOE), part of the European Space Agency (ESA). SCCOE plays a key role in keeping ESA’s space systems, from satellites to ground infrastructure, secure and resilient. By joining the team, you’ll help protect critical space missions and work at the forefront of space cybersecurity.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Design, develop, and integrate Space System Simulations including interfaces to specialized external hardware and cyber-range technologies for realistic testing environments.
• Implement cyber‑attack scenarios over the Space System Simulation.
• Support the team on networking and application‑level tasks.
• Collaborate across teams and manage projects to align with strategic objectives, monitor execution, maintain timelines and quality standards.
• Provide operational support across environments, ensuring systems run smoothly from deployment to maintenance.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in system performance, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
• Operate and maintain classified systems in line with security standards.

Skills & Experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• University degree or equivalent experience in computer science, engineering, IT, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience working on complex space systems engineering projects, ideally with exposure to areas such as spacecraft and/or ground segment engineering, security architecture design, certification and accreditation processes, verification and validation activities, or cybersecurity across IT/OT systems (including threat, vulnerability, and risk analysis).
• Experience with space system simulation or emulation.
• Programming and/or scripting experience, ideally with languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, Simulink or similar languages for simulation and automation.
• Good understanding of network infrastructures, with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex systems.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Eligibility for EU security clearance.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be considered a plus:

• Knowledge of space communication and engineering standards and protocols, including CCSDS TM/TC, CCSDS SLE and SDLS protocols, ECSS standards, and CubeSat communication protocols.
• Familiarity with governance, norms, and standards in the field of security, including ISO 2700X, NIST CSF, and MITRE ATT&CK.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.